Vatican inquiry into Legionaries concluded

A team of 5 bishops has completed an 8-month probe into the affairs of the Legionaries of Christ.

Although the Vatican has not released any comment on the inquiry, informed officials have speculated that the Holy See might appoint a new head for the troubled religious order. Vatican journalist Sandro Magister of L'Espresso predicts flatly: "A commissioner appointed by the Vatican will take command of the Legionaries of Christ, orphans of their founder Marcial Maciel, disgraced by scandals." More drastic alternatives could include dissolving or "re-founding" the order.

Speculation about the future of the Legionaries has been rife since last year, when leaders of the order admitted that the late Father Maciel had apparently led a double life. One key question-- presumably addressed in the apostolic visitation-- was whether current leaders of the Legionaries had been aware of the founder's misconduct.

Five prelates were named to conduct the probe of the Legion: Archbishops Charles Chaput of Denver and Ricardo Ezzato Andrello of Concepcion, Chile; and Bishops Ricardo Blazquez Perez of Valladolid, Spain; Giuseppe Versaldi of Alessandria, Italy; and Ricardo Watty Urquidi of Tepic, Mexico. They have now completed their work.